Star Plus to launch 'Kaali-Ek Agnipariksha' with a campaign against Sexual Harassment of women

Some of the key panelists at the discussion were, Ms. Indira Jaisingh, Additional Solicitor General; Ms. Renuka Chowdhury, Former Minister, Women & Child Welfare; Ms. Madhu Trehan, Eminent Journalist and Author; Mr. Dilip Cherian, Eminent Columnist & Media Personality; Ms. Ritu Beri, Internationally acclaimed Fashion Designer; Ms. Mrinal Jha, Eminent Writer.

Post panel discussion, Star Plus announced the launch of its new show titled, 'Kaali-Ek Agnipariksha'.

The story of "Kaali' is a classic fight between good and evil. Its about a teenaged girl, "Rachna', who has dreams of becoming India's next badminton star, she gets threatened by the Bahubali, "Thakral'. "Thakral', threatens her existence but "Rachna' shows the grit and determination to fight back. The show explores if she will have the strength to become today's "Kaali'.

'Kaali- Ek Agnipariksha' will premiere on air from September 13th, 11pm on Star Plus. The show is produced by Fox Star Studio India Pvt. Ltd and is aimed at increasing social awareness about the growing number of cases of sexual crimes against women.

A recent research has shown that every fifth woman worker is sexually harassed in India. A number of women face this brutal treatment everyday across the country. How many women speak up and come to the fore with it? How many are suppressed in the name of the honour of their families? What happens to women who speak up about it?

Speaking at the occasion of the launch of 'Kaali-Ek Agnipariksha' in New Delhi, Gaurav Banerjee, Head Content and Strategy, Star Plus said: "Star Plus is recognized for being socially responsible, be it in terms of on air programming or off air initiatives. With its refreshed philosophy of "Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi', as its backbone, Star Plus now reaches out to its viewers with a thought-provoking new show ' "Kaali-Ek Agnipariksha', that will take television beyond drama and expose viewers to the trials and tribulations of Indian women who are increasingly being subjected to sexual harassment. We hope that this show inspires our audiences to voice their stories and fight for justice."

The show marks the return of Ashutosh Rana who promises to be television's biggest and most powerful villain - in his role as 'Thakraal' in "Kaali-Ek Agnipariksha'. Ashutosh known for his intense roles and brilliant performances promises to make viewers jittery with his portrayal of this character.

Sonali Kulkarni who makes her debut on a fiction show with 'Kaali- Ek Agnipariksha', essays the role of the protagonists deceased mother.